It is imperative to assess the woman's potential danger in cases of domestic violence. Information regarding the pattern of abuse and its severity and frequency is vital. Other critical signs that indicate increased danger are that the abuser has a weapon, has been violent outside the house, is a substance abuser,has been stalking the woman, and has threatened suicide/homicide. At times, some woman contemplate suicide. It is well documented that the battered woman is at greatest risk of harm when she tries to leave her abuser (Walton-Moss and Campbell,2002; Gelles,1997).